GLOSSARY · O
Online Store 2.0
Shopify’s theme architecture with sections on every page and JSON templates.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters for a Shopify store.
Online Store 2.0 is Shopify's theme architecture: JSON templates, sections on every page, app blocks and dynamic sources for metafields.
It lets merchants build and change pages in the theme editor without code — which is why modern theme development starts here.
HOW CREATIVE LABS HANDLES IT
What we do about it on every project.
01
Build sections, not pages
Reusable sections that merchants combine into any template.
02
Use app blocks
Apps add features as blocks instead of injected code.
03
Connect structured data
Dynamic sources pull metafields into sections automatically.
EXAMPLE
A typical example.
A brand's older theme needs a developer for every new landing page.
On an Online Store 2.0 theme the marketing team builds campaign pages from existing sections in the theme editor, with no code changes.
COMMON MISTAKES
What usually goes wrong.
Staying on a vintage theme
Older themes miss app blocks and sections everywhere.
Too many one-off sections
A library of near-duplicate sections is hard to maintain.
Ignoring speed
Every section and app block adds weight; keep an eye on Core Web Vitals.
ONLINE STORE 2.0
2 questions
How do I know if my theme is Online Store 2.0?
If you can add sections to product and collection pages in the theme editor, it is.
Should I upgrade to an Online Store 2.0 theme?
Usually yes, especially if your team depends on developers for routine page changes.
Related terms
You've reached the end, so now…
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Prefer to talk? Book 20 minutes with Haniel or call +1 855-764-4977